Australian Medals

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres - Battle of Broodseinde’ M.M. group of four awarded to stretcher bearer, Private H. E. King, 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was gassed 25 August 1918

Four: Military Medal, G.V.R. (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5 Bn. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Private S. T. C. Izard) states:

‘These men, as stretcher bearers, showed great coolness and devotion to duty in the operations of the 4th October 1917 in the vicinity of Zonnebeke east of Ypres. Casualties were extremely heavy through the enemy barrages of 4th, 5th and 6th and notwithstanding the shelling, fatigue and great danger, they moved about constantly dressing and attending wounded men. They set a fine example of devotion to duty.’

Herbert Ernest King was born in Touugabba, Victoria in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 15 September 1914. King served with the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion in Egypt from 11 October 1915, and in the French theatre of war from 25 March 1916. He was awarded his M.M. for his gallantry whilst serving with ‘C’ Company during the Battle of Broodseinde, Ypres, 4 October 1917.

King was gassed, 25 August 1918. He returned to Australia in January 1919, and was discharged, 2 May 1919.

Mounted for display, lacquered, good very fine $4250

Four: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private A. F. Allen, 5th Battalion Australian Machine Gun Corps, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action in 1916, 1917 and 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2552 Pte. A. E. Allen. 5/Aust: M.G.C.); 1914-15 Star (2552 Pte. A. F. Allen. 7/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2552 Pte. A. E. Allen. 7 Bn. A.I.F.) 

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘Whilst moving into position for attack in front of Villers Bretonneux at 5 a.m. on the morning of 8th August 1918, Private Allen received nasty wounds in the arm. Although in great pain he carried on over an advance of approximately 10 kilometres. Throughout the operation he showed an utter disregard for his personal safety, and by his gallantry, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty he set a splendid example to all ranks. His courage and endurance are worthy of special recognition.’

Edward Albert Allen was born in Wandsworth, London, in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Seahawk, Victoria, 6 May 1915. Allen embarked for Egypt in H.M.A.T. Anchises, and arrived at Mudros 18 November 1915. He initially served on the strength of the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion, before briefly transferring to the 59th Battalion, and ultimately serving with the Australian Machine Gun Corps from March 1916.

Allen was wounded in action in the French theatre of war, 19 July 1916 and 24 March 1917. He was awarded his M.M. for service with the 5th Battalion Australian Machine Gun Corps, as part of the 5th Australian Division on the Somme, 8 August 1918. He also received his final wound on that date. Allen returned to Australia in SS Main, and was discharged 10 December 1919.

Minor edge nicks, generally very fine or better $4250

Trio:  A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant G. J. Irving, 29th Battery, 8th Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, who was also wounded in action, 19 July 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (19852 Bmbr: G. J. Irving. 8/Bde: Aust: F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (19852 A-Sgt. G. J. Irving. 8. F.A.B. A.I.F.) 

M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘On the morning of 13-5-1917 the 29^th. Battery was subjected to very heavy shell fire by 5.9 shells. Under the orders of the Battery Commander all ranks except himself and these four men had evacuated the position. The Battery Commander and these four men remaining in the close vicinity of the Battery, during the bombardment a number of direct hits were made on the Gun Pits setting fire to three of them and causing the ammunition in the pits to commence to explode. These four men with Major Churchus at once went in to these pits and put out two fires with wet bags. This was done although amounts of 5.9 were at the time landing on the Battery position and the ammunition in the pits was also exploding, about 400 rounds exploding before the fires were extinguished. By the action of Major Churchus and these four men two (2) guns and about 300 rounds of ammunition were undoubtedly saved.’

Good very fine or better $3250

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. Whitehead, 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a veteran of Gallipoli, he went on to distinguish himself at Morlancourt - going out in the night to rescue a wounded N.C.O. from no man’s land, despite seeing three men attempt the same thing and all become casualties

Four: Military Medal, G.V.R. (454 Pte. F. Whitehead. 29/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (454 Dvr. F. Whithead 1/A.S.C. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (454 Dvr. F. Whithead. A.S.C. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 11 December 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘Morlancourt, on the night of 28th/29th July 1918. This soldier was a Coy. stretcher bearer. A Sergeant was lying wounded in ‘no man’s land’ and after three men had become casualties in the attempt to get the wounded N.C.O. in, Pte. Whitehead immediately volunteered and was successful in bringing the wounded N.C.O. in under heavy shell and M.G. fire. All through the attack and afterwards he worked on in ‘no man’s land’, brining in wounded under heavy enemy shell fire.’

Fred Whitehead was born in Mirboo North, Victoria, Australia in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 27 August 1914, and was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps. Whitehead served with the Corps in Gallipoli prior to serving in the French theatre of war from 1916. He transferred to the 29th Australian Infantry Battalion in February 1918, and distinguished himself whilst serving with the Battalion on the Somme in July 1918. The incident is recorded in Black and Gold - History of the 29th Battalion, 1915-1918, by R. J. Slaugh.

Whitehead returned to Australia in November 1918, and was discharged in March of the following year. He died in December 1961.

Mounted for display, very fine $4250

Trio: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal A. E. Boyd, 37th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for continued gallantry as a stretcher bearer over a three week period in August 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2222 Pte. - T. Cpl. - A. E. Boyd. 37/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (2222 Cpl. A. E. Boyd 37 Bn. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 29 March 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘On the night of the 9th/10th August 1918, Corporal Boyd, who was then a stretcher bearer, did consistently good work getting out wounded men. During this operation, he was continuously under heavy artillery and machine gun fire, and was working until late in the morning. At Proyart 12th August, Bray 24th August, Suzanse 26th August, Howitzer Wood 29th August, Clery 30th August, he continued to do good work showing a total disregard for personal danger and endurance and courage of a remarkably high standard. When wanted he was always on the job and apart from his personal work was invaluable in directing the work of other stretcher bearers of B Company. Corporal Boyd has proved himself a splendid and dauntless leader under the most trying and perilous circumstances.’

A. E. Boyd was born in Yarrawonga, Victoria, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, in January 1916. Boyd embarked for the UK on the S.S. Shropshire, and travelled on to France, 15 February 1917. He served with the 37th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 10th Australian Brigade, 3rd Australian Division in the French theatre of war.

Boyd was awarded his M.M. for gallantry as stretcher bearer in operations on the Somme, over a three week period in August 1918. The Battalion War Diary for this month records the 37th Battalion suffering casualties of 4 officers (including the CO) and 34 other ranks killed, 12 officers and 257 other ranks wounded, and one officer and 14 other ranks died of wounds.

Boyd continued to serve with the Battalion in France, and was wounded in action. He returned to Australia in the S.S Nestor, 20 May 1919, and was discharged 9 August 1919. Boyd died in November 1956.

Minor edge bruising overall, therefore very fine $3750

Trio: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private C. McCabe, 55th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for continued acts of gallantry over a 11 month period in 1918, in particular during the Spring Offensive, and at Peronne, 1 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5418 Pte. C. McCabe. 55/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (5418 Pte. C. McCabe. 55 - Bn. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For continued gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 25th February 1918 to 31st December 1918. During these periods Pte. McCabe was a member of his Company permanent patrol and many were his acts of gallantry and devotion to duty indicating an utter disregard of personal safety. Whilst the Battalion was in the line north of Villiers Bretonneux during the months of April and May 1918, his work was marked and won for him the admiration and confidence of all with whom he was associated. During the operations at Peronne on 1st September 1918, his coolness and energy under heavy fire so cheered and inspired his comrades that the operation was helped to a great degree by his personal example.’

Generally very fine or better $3750

Trio: A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private A. Delury, 25th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who received a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder in the process of winning the M.M., and was later gassed 12 May 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4797 Pte. A. Delury. 25/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (4797 Sgt. A. Delury. 25-Bn. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘At Westhoek Ridge 20th September 1917 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, when despite heavy shell fire he laid out telephone wires to the front line, and by repairing continual breaks, consequent upon enemy shell fire, he maintained communications throughout.’

A. Delury was born in Woolwich, Kent, in 1893. He was employed as a Well Borer prior to his enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force, in January 1916. Delury served with the 25th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 7th Australian Brigade, 2nd Australian Division in the French theatre of war from November 1916.

Delury was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in operations at Ypres, in particular during the attack on Westhoek Ridge, 20/21 September 1917. The Battalion War Diary for this date records that all objectives were taken and consolidated, with the 25th Battalion suffering casualties of one officer and 32 other ranks killed, one officer and 9 other ranks died of wounds, 3 officers and 135 other ranks wounded and 4 other ranks missing. Delury was amongst the Battalion’s wounded for that day, having suffered a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder.

Delury continued to serve with the Battalion in France, and was gassed, 12 May 1918. He returned to Australia in the H.M.A.T. Border, 9 December 1919, and was discharged ‘medically unfit’ 27 April 1920.

Generally very fine or better $3750

Trio: Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Military Medal correctly impressed 2052 PTE A. COOPER 42/AUST INF and British War and Victory Medals correctly impressed to 2052 PTE A. W. BROWNE 42 BN. A.I.F.

Emb: 7^th September 1916

WIA: 1^st August 1917 (G.S.W Arm, compound fracture)

Military Medal London Gazette 18^th August 1917 “For Bravery in the Field”

26^th April 1918 promoted to Cpl

21^st October 1918 Transferred to the 11^th Field Ambulance

Discharged 20^th May 1919

Records show that Private Browne/Cooper was awarded his Military Medal "in the field" and as a result no citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research

Note: Albert William Brown - alias ‘Albert Cooper’ – It was in March 1918 that he revealed his true identity as Albert William Browne, rather than ‘Albert Cooper’; Statutory Declaration to this effect is in his personnel file.

GD VF $3250

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Lance Corporal F. J. A. Bent, 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, originally recommended for the D.C.M. for his gallantry at Morlancourt, 19 May 1918, he was subsequently wounded in action, 31 May 1918

Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. impressed to 4512 Pte F. J. A. Bent. 18/Aust: Inf:

M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:

‘For conspicuous bravery. On reaching the objective in the attack near Morlancourt on the 19th inst. [May], it was found that no machine guns had arrived and this soldier immediately returned across the area which was swept by intense machine gun and rifle fire to a spot where we had suffered most casualties in penetrating the enemy’s wire. On searching the ground, he found a gun of which the gunners had been killed and returned with it to where his platoon was holding the line. He immediately went back again and brought in another gun under similar circumstances. On making a third trip Pte Bent obtained several panniers of machine gun ammunition which had been lost on the way across. His conduct throughout was extremely cool and his bearing inspired the remainder of the men.’

Francis Joseph Arthur Bent was born in Wangaratta, Victoria in 1884. A printer by trade, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, 10 October 1916. Bent was initially posted for service with the 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, and then to the 61st in July 1917.

Bent transferred to the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, 13 October 1917, and served with them in the French theatre of war from 9 April 1918. The following month he distinguished himself at Moralncourt, and was wounded in action, 31 May 1918. Bent advanced to Lance Corporal in October 1918, and returned to Australia in April 1919. He was discharged in July 1919.

VF $2250

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Corporal A. L. Fraser, 60th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his repeated gallantry during a night raid on July Farm, east of Wytschaete, 13/14 March 1918. He was wounded in action on the Western Front, 2 September 1918

Single; Military Medal, G.V.R. impressed to 1940 Cpl A. L. Fraser. 60/Aust: Inf:

M.M. London Gazette 25 April 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous bravery and initiative during a raid on July Farm, east of Wytschaete, on the night of the 13th/14th March 1918. This NCO accompanied Lieutenant John Charles Moore [M.C. and Bar, M.M.] and helped him to get the men into position. When the barrage lifted, he was one of the first to enter the enemy’s position and received the prisoners from Lieutenant Moore. During the whole action he showed a daring and disregard for his own personal safety which was a distinct encouragement to his men and of great assistance to Lieutenant Moore. He stayed behind with Lieutenant Moore and helped this officer to carry in a wounded man under heavy machine gun fire. His work in helping with the organisation of the party and in the training previous to the raid went far to ensure its ultimate success. Strength of raiding party - one officer and twenty other ranks.’

Albert Leopold Fraser was born in Bendigo, Victoria in 1896. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, 15 January 1915. Fraser served with the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli, and was evacuated to hospital with frostbite, 8 December 1915. He transferred to the 60th Australian Infantry Battalion in July 1916, and served with them in the French theatre of war from that month.

Fraser advanced to Corporal in February 1917, and was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry at July Farm, east of Wytschaete, Ypres, 13/14 March 1918. He was wounded in action, 2 September 1918. Fraser returned to Australia in December 1918, and was discharged in January 1919.

Suspension claw re-pinned, nearly very fine $2000

A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Corporal G. D. Thompson, 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Artillery, Australian Imperial Force, later Lieutenant in the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion

Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1063 Cpl. G. D. Thompson. 4/Lt: T.M. By: Aust: A.) 

M.M. London Gazette 8 December 1916. The original recommendation states:

‘North West of Pozieres. I wish to recommend Thompson for distinction. During the period the Battery was in the trenches Thompson showed great ability and bravery. On the 8th August, the night of the attack by the 15th Battalion, he handled his men splendidly, and after having completed his firing he then remained at his gun through exceedingly heavy enemy barrage, and obtained the position of the advanced line of 15th Battalion and enemy position, thus enabling me to use my gun. His conduct throughout was most distinguished.’

George Dominic Thompson was born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 1 October 1914. Thompson was posted to the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion, and served with them in Gallipoli before being evacuated to Mudros due to illness, 24 August 1915.

Thompson advanced to Corporal in June 1916, and transferred to the 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Artillery the same month. He served with the Battery in the French theatre of war from July 1916, and distinguished himself on the Somme during the following month. Thompson advanced to Sergeant in November 1916, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion in May 1918. He served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war and advanced to Lieutenant in July of the same year.

Thompson returned to Australia in January 1920, and was discharged in March of the same year.

Very fine $1850

Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to “2234 SJT: A. J. SMITH 3/ARMY BDE./AUST.F.A.”

Emb: 16^th June 1915 with the 1^st BN AIF

Joined Battalion at Gallipoli 7^th August 1915

Transferred 10^th February 1916 to the 53^rd BN

Transferred 15^th March 1916 to the 114^th Bty (later 115^th Bty).

MM London Gazette 16^TH August 1917

Promoted 2/LT. 10^th April 1918

Promoted LT 10^th July 1918

RTA: 11^th May 1919 

Note: No citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research).

Very large EK at 9 o’clock otherwise VF $1425

A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal A. Briggs, 20th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry with rifle-grenades during a counter-attack at Lagincourt, 15 April 1917. He was wounded in action at Pozieres, 5 August 1916, and received a gunshot wound to the right arm and left knee at Bullecourt, 2 May 1917

Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1671 L. Cpl. A. Briggs. 20/Aust: Inf:)  

M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1917 on page 6026 at position 16. The original recommendation states:

‘These men showed great initiative and bravery when their company was held up during the counter-attack near LAGNICOURT on 15^th. April they crawled within 50 yards of the enemy’s strong post and with the use of rifle grenades bombed the enemy out, thus allowing the advance to continue.’

Note: The AWM has embroidery from Lance Corporal Briggs and the following is a copy of their very informative research

"Born in Sydney in 1892, Albert Biggs, who is said to have disliked being called 'Bert Biggs', was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the AIF on 29 May 1915, using the alias Alfred Briggs.

After initial training, Briggs was assigned as a private, service number 1671, to the 2nd reinforcements for 20 Battalion. He left Sydney for overseas service on 19 June, aboard HMAT A61 Kanowna. The battalion trained briefly in Egypt before arriving at Gallipoli in late August, where they defended Russell's Top until they were evacuated to Egypt in December.

The battalion moved to France, for service on the Western Front in April 1916. Briggs was promoted to lance corporal on 14 May but reverted to the rank of private on 16 July at his own request. He received a gunshot wound to his left leg on 5 August, during the battalion's first major action at Pozieres, and was evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital. 

Two months later Briggs was discharged to the 5th Training Battalion, where he remained until he rejoined the 20th Battalion in France on 19 February 1917. He was promoted to lance corporal on 23 March. On 15 April Briggs was awarded the Military Medal for 'great initiative and bravery', at Lagnicourt.

Briggs was severely wounded during the second battle of Bullecourt, on 5 May, sustaining a penetrating shrapnel wound to his left knee and a severe fracture of the humerus, just above his right elbow. He was evacuated to the 6th Field Ambulance, then to a casualty clearing station, and finally to the 1st Australian General Hospital at Rouen, where he remained until the end of April 1918. On 29 April he was transferred to England, to the Tooting Military Hospital in London. In July Briggs was sent to 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, suffering from disability and a mental condition, to prepare him for his return to Sydney in September. He spent nearly two years at the 4th Australian General Hospital (4 AGH) at Randwick, and convalescent homes, before his discharge from the army on 7 July 1920.

Brigg's wounds permanently fused his left knee, and so damaged the nerves in his right arm that he had very little function in that hand. He was encouraged to take up embroidery as a means of both passing the time and of 'training' his left hand in fine motor skills. This example is thought to have been completed while he was at 4 AGH. While he was in hospital Briggs' wallet and Military Medal were stolen from his bedside locker. A new medal was issued to him, correctly named at his request to 'Biggs'.

Towards the end of his long life Biggs lived with his niece, Emily, and her husband Fred Lees. She made three of her uncle's rehabilitation embroideries into cushions, which were always positioned on her living room sofa. The embroideries were donated to the War Memorial in memory of Albert Biggs.”

Very fine $2000

Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to 3761 L. CPL H. BATCHELOR 20/AUST; INF:

Emb: 20^th January 1916

WIA: 26^th May 1916 (G.S.W. Face)

2^nd WIA: 26^th July 1916 (G.S.W. Buttock).

3^rd WIA: 31^st August 1918 (S. W. Head and also written as S.W. Left cheek) wound received whilst earning his Military Medal.

RTA: 17^th August 1919

There is confusion between his first two wounding’s and he appears only credited with two wounding’s. This is contradicted as he is taken back on strength between the dates.

MM London Gazette 17 June 1919

“During the operations MONT ST. QUENTON N. E. of PERONNE, on 31^st August 1918, these two (3761 L/CPL Batchelor along with 5355 PTE Jackson) soldiers went forward to form a covering party during the transfer of troops from the trench to another. They kept up fire during the duration although both were wounded. They made back to our trench when the operation was completed.”

Note: Tragically Harry Batchelor was swept off the rocks at Bondi Beach whilst fishing and subsequently drowned on the 22^nd of March 1925. A well-known local cricketer by the name of James Verner Garner (who is the only man ever to bowl out both Victor Trumper and Don Bradman) attempted to rescue him but was washed on to the rocks several times whilst trying to save him. Newspaper articles at the time hint towards Garner being awarded a medal for the attempted rescue (further research required).

This medal is partly erased with 70 percent still clearly visible. The fact that so much remains could be wear to the edge on what was a shallow striking and not done with any malice (see photos).

Other than stated above VF $1725

Single: Military Medal, G.V.R.  correctly impressed to 1947 Gnr: F. Nicholas. 101/How: By: 1/Bde: Aust: F.A.

M.M. London Gazette 12 June 1918. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Gunners A. E. Schmidt and A. Woodington) states:

‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 17th/18th March 1918, when during a heavy hostile gas and high explosive bombardment of the battery near Norfolk Bridge on the Ypres-Comines Canal, North East of St. Eloi, a gun pit was ignited by an enemy shell and severe damage was threatened. Under great difficulties these gunners extinguished the burning pit, with the result that the gun was only temporarily out of action and the loss of ammunition minimised.’

Frank Nicholas was born in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 24 August 1915. Nicholas was posted to the 1st Light Horse Regiment in March 1916, and transferred as a Signaller to the Australian Artillery in May of the same year. He served with the 101st Howitzer Battery, 1st Field Artillery Brigade in the French theatre of war from December 1916.

The following year Nicholas suffered from Trench Feet and Rheumatic Fever, before recovering to distinguish himself in action near St. Eloi, Ypres, 17/18 March 1918. Nicholas was severely gassed during the action, and returned to Australia in October 1918.

Nicholas was discharged in May 1919, and in later life resided in Bendigo, Victoria.

Nearly very fine $1850

Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal both correctly impressed LIEUT. G. W. KEELER. A.I.F. Also entitled to Military Medal and 1914/15 star.

Emb. 22^nd December 1914 as number 188

Proceeded to join M.E>F. Gallipoli

Promoted through the ranks to Sgt 19^th August 1917

WIA 6^th April 1918 (GSW Lt Arm)

Awarded Military Medal, London Gazette 29^th August 1918

Appointed 2^nd Lieutenant 14^th October 1918

Appointed Lieutenant 25^th January 1919 “promoted for consistently conscientious work” (The fighting Thirteenth Page 140)

RTA 15^th November 1919

Note: No citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research).

VF $1425

Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 4478 PTE E. L. STEPHENS 1 BN AIF

Previous service listed as "21^st INF MILITIA” (2 YEARS) NSW

Emb. 15^th January 1916

WIA or injury (?) initially whilst on duty in France 10^th May 1916 "To hospital eye trouble" and goes back and forth from duty to hospital because of this injury.

RTA: Discharging NSW in August 1917 "medically unfit" as a result of “defective eyes”

Note: There is an unopened “Vocational Training” file in National Archives (1920). This was a scheme to give selected soldiers training in a trade post war.

Good VF $375

P28 Trio: 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 941 PTE A. G. GORDON  1/BN AIF.

EMB: 18th Oct 1914

Wounded in action Gallipoli 10^th May 1915 “GSW right forearm”

Re-joined Battalion at Gallipoli on the 14th June 1915

2^nd WIA; 19^th August 1916 now serving with the 1^st Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery “Wnds, Bruised Back & Right Arm, Adm”

Killed in action 5^th May 1917 in France.

Sadly no mention or further details are given to how Angus George Gordon was Killed only that he was “Killed in Action”.

UNCIRCULATED $1100

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 377 PTE N. D. CUDDEFORD 1 BN AIF.

EMB: 3^RD May 1916 with the 1^st ANZAC Cyclist Corps before transferring to the 1^st BN AIF September 1916

8^th April 1917 admitted to hospital with trench feet and paratyphoid fever

Records show various disciplinary charges, all minor and appear to stem from being late on parade.

RTA: 19^th February 1919 and discharged Medically unfit NSW (from Cootamundra)

VF $375

Family Grouping:

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 6846 A-CPL (PTE ON VICTORY MEDAL) R. J. WATSON 2 BN AIF

 EMB: 8^th November 1916

 WIA/KIA: Initially classed as wounded 6^th November 1917, then reported wounded/missing before he was finally reported Killed in Action after a court of inquiry into his death.

Private Harris from his battalion gave the following statement in reference to Cpl Watson’s death; “Watson was buried by shell at Passchendaele on the 6^th November with McDonald, Sutcliffe and Cox. I helped to dig them out and buried them behind the trench which was just in rear of village.”

 Confirming Private Harris’s statement to be true and correct, Cpl Watson’s body was exhumed at the first possible opportunity and he now rests in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery (six and half miles N. E. from Ypres).

 Also comes with a British War and Victory Medal (pair) correctly impressed to 181003 GNR J. W. S. WATSON R. A. Medal roll confirms this to be the full entitlement to John William Stewart Watson who is believed to be Robert’s brother. Further research required

VF $775

Pair: 1914/15 Star and British War medal (missing Victory medal). Both correctly impressed to 2780 PTE F. W. BARKER 2/BN A.I.F. (CPL on War Medal)

Emb. 30th September 1915

Transferred to the 55th Bty 14th Brigade 16th March 1916

WIA. 20th October 1917 (Gassed)

Discharged 6th October 1919

VF $385 

Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 6983 PTE M. GRIFFIN 2 BN AIF

Previous service listed as "A.M.C."

Emb. 9^th November 1916

WIA 22^nd September 1917 "GSW L/Foot Severe"

RTA: 5^th April 1918 and subsequently discharged "medically unfit" as a result of his wounds

Near EF $400

P29 Trio: 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 247 WO2 (SJT on star). H. HARTLEY 2/BN AIF.

Previous Service stated as Royal Fusiliers (time expired). Distinctive marks at time of enlistment “Bullet wound on left shoulder”

EMB: 18th Oct 1914

Sprained ankle in Cairo and returned to Australia to recover arriving in Sydney 9^th September 1915

EMB 2^nd Time: 15^th January 1916

Admitted to Hospital Cairo (Perineal Fistula) 8th March 1916

RTA: 15th June 1916 and discharged medically unfit

UNCIRCULATED $750

P30 Pair:  British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 4024 PTE J P DRISCOLL 3/BN AIF.

EMB: 30th December 1915

Wounded in action France 16^th August 1916 “Wnd Shoulder”

Killed in action 22^nd September 1917 in Belgium.

A Red Cross file exists with the following single entry; “Killed in action 22-9-17 -  dtls not stated”

Remembered on Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium.

Note: There is mention in his records that the name James Pearce Drescoll (sometimes written with the correct “I”) is an alias he used on enlistment and his name is in fact James Richard Driscoll.

 UNCIRCULATED $450